Mexico online gambling permits (SEGOB)
Mexico has no standalone online license. Online casino and betting run as a channel of a permit from the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB), so foreign operators enter through an existing permit holder. From 2026 online gaming is taxed at 50% of GGR.
- Best for
- Partnering with Mexican permit holders
- Who can be licensed
- B2C operators
- Markets it serves
- Latin America
Mexico has no standalone online gambling license. Online casino and betting run as a channel of a permit from the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB) under the Federal Law on Games and Raffles, listed in the permit holder's approved operating manual. Foreign operators therefore enter through an agreement with an existing Mexican permit holder, or by acquiring one, subject to SEGOB review. Plan for 3–6 months on the partner route. From 2026, online gaming is taxed at 50% of gross gaming revenue.
- Status
- Licensing open
- Regulator
- Ministry of the Interior
- Legal basis
- Federal Law on Games and Raffles
- Status checked
- October 16, 2026
Two ways into Mexico
New permits are rarely issued, so most international operators work under an existing permit holder’s online channel.
Permit holder agreement
The usual route: an operating agreement with a Mexican permit holder whose SEGOB-approved operating manual covers online casino or betting.
Acquire a permit holder
Buying a company that holds a permit, subject to SEGOB review of the change of control.
Own permit
A Mexican company applying directly. Permits now run up to 15 years and cannot be extended; new comprehensive permits have rarely been issued since 2012.
What a Mexican setup requires
Mexican entity
A Mexican-law company for permit holders; foreign groups operate through a Mexican subsidiary or under a partner’s permit.
Ownership disclosure
Full disclosure of shareholders, controllers and beneficial owners, and fit-and-proper review.
Operating manual
The online products must be listed in the permit holder’s SEGOB-approved operating manual.
Controls
Internal control system recording every bet; bets paid only once a bank confirms the deposit.
Tax registration
Registration with the SAT for IEPS and income tax withholding on winnings.
AML
Anti-money laundering regime for gaming (LFPIORPI) with a compliance officer reporting through the SAT.
How the application runs
With a willing permit holder, the partner route typically takes 3–6 months; a permit acquisition depends on SEGOB’s change-of-control review.
- 1RoutePermit holder agreement, acquisition or own permit.
- 2Due diligenceReview of the permit, its operating manual and the partner.
- 3SetupMexican entity, SAT registration, payments and AML officer.
- 4IntegrationPlatform and controls aligned with the permit holder’s manual.
- 5LaunchOnline channel live under the permit.
Ongoing obligations
- Monthly IEPS filings and payments
- Income tax withholding on winnings
- Internal controls and bet records
- AML reporting under the LFPIORPI
- Operating only the products in the approved manual
How online gaming is taxed from 2026
IEPS at 50%
From 1 January 2026 the special tax on betting and draws for online gaming rose from 30% to 50% of gross gaming revenue.
Foreign operators
The tax also reaches non-resident digital operators serving players in Mexico, and the SAT can order unregistered foreign sites blocked.
Winnings
Operators withhold federal income tax on players’ winnings, plus state prize taxes where they apply.
Pending reform
A new federal gaming law and a national gambling commission have been announced but not published.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an online gambling license in Mexico?
Not as a standalone license. Online gaming runs as a channel of a SEGOB permit and must be listed in the permit holder’s approved operating manual.
Can foreign operators enter?
Usually through an agreement with a Mexican permit holder, or by acquiring one, subject to SEGOB review.
How is online gaming taxed?
At 50% of gross gaming revenue (IEPS) from 1 January 2026, up from 30%, plus income tax withholding on winnings.
Are new permits issued?
Rarely. New comprehensive permits have rarely been granted since 2012, and permits now run up to 15 years without extension.
What about the slot machine ban?
A November 2023 decree prohibited new slot operations and broadened the definition; many court challenges are pending. Check how it affects your product with us.
Ready to apply in Mexico?
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